Britannica Sources used in this answer

Why did Charles I call the Short Parliament in 1640?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Painting of the Battle of Naseby shows cavalry and infantry clashing, with soldiers on horseback leading a charge and fallen fighters on the ground amid the chaos of battle. — English Civil Wars *Battle of Naseby*, by an unknown artist. The victory of the Parliamentarian New Model Army, under Sir Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell, over the Royalist army, commanded by Prince Rupert, at the Battle of Naseby (June 14, 1645) marked the decisive turning point in the English Civil War.

King Charles I summoned the Short Parliament in April 1640 primarily to secure the financial subsidies necessary to fund a military campaign against the Scots.123

Following his attempt to enforce Anglican religious observances in Scotland, Charles faced a rebellion known as the first of the Bishops’ Wars. After this initial campaign proved abortive and the king discovered that the Scots were intriguing with France, he determined to use force once more. On the advice of his close counselors, William Laud and the earl of Strafford, Charles called Parliament to raise the funds required for this second military effort.1245

However, the assembly proved uncooperative, as members of the House of Commons insisted on addressing long-standing grievances—such as the controversial collection of ship money—before granting any subsidies. Because the Parliament also signaled its opposition to renewing the war against the Scots, Charles dissolved it after only three weeks.1324